President Kassym Tokayev’s Key Aspirations for Central Asia Development and Cooperation
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed that Central Asian countries adopt coordinated measures to address challenges in the region. In his article “Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Prosperity,” the President outlines a vision that hinges on deepening cooperative ties, strengthening economic foundations, and bolstering regional security and stability. Kazakhstan’s unique position as a crossroads between East and West, North and South, enables it to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect not only among its neighboring countries but globally.
Central Asia, a region with a rich history of cultural exchange and inter-civilizational dialogue, has long been a conduit for the flow of ideas, goods, and people across continents. The president’s ambitious vision for Central Asia outlines measures to strengthen practical interaction to intensify trade, economic, and business ties, as well as the creation and development of comprehensive strategies to counter challenges that address both traditional and emerging threats, along with active collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations.
President Tokayev’s common vision includes deepening cooperative ties and establishing a robust economic foundation to support multilateral collaboration. Central Asia is emerging as a key link in global transportation, driven by initiatives like China’s “One Belt, One Road.” Kazakhstan is actively developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), aiming to increase transportation activity. New opportunities are arising with the development of Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, particularly the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, which facilitate cargo movement from China and Central Asia to the South Caucasus, Turkey, and Europe.
Addressing food security and water scarcity is also a main priority for Kazakhstan. To intensify the regional cooperation platform, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) proposes the establishment of an International Water and Energy Consortium to tackle these challenges collectively. The president’s suggestion led to the preparation of the “Central Asia-2040” concept, which outlines the guidelines for the future development of multifaceted cooperation among the five Central Asian states.
Kazakhstan’s Role in Regional Cooperation
Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional development is reflected in its diplomatic initiatives and ambitious visions. The long-term vision is complemented by the “Roadmap for Regional Cooperation Development 2025-2027” and the “Action Plan for Industrial Cooperation of Central Asian States 2025-2027,” which will enhance the capabilities of the region to work together on economic and industrial projects.
President Tokayev has emphasized the potential of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to consolidate the collective will and wisdom of Asian states in the interests of peace, cooperation, and development. Similarly, “Central Asia Plus” dialogues have become a platform for multilateral discussions on regional concerns and the strengthening of cooperation between Central Asian countries and their strategic partners. This platform is expected to grow in importance, particularly with Kazakhstan’s leadership and multi-vector diplomacy.
Kazakhstan’s role in bolstering global peace, security, and stability is also evident through its initiatives within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, for example, provides a strong precedent for a greater role for multilateral institutions in the region’s development.
Potentials for Transport Corridors
Kazakhstan’s strategic location as a crossroads between Europe and Asia enhances its role in facilitating global and regional trade. President Tokayev has also supported the establishment of a Business Council for Central Asian countries to further develop the region’s transit and transport potential. With 11 international transport corridors passing through Kazakhstan, investments in transport and logistics are boosting both cross-border and domestic transportation competitiveness, providing the country with essential access to regional markets.
Regional development through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is transforming Central Asia into a key link in both global and regional transportation. The BRI-led modern transport infrastructure and highly efficient logistics systems in Kazakhstan are integrating the China-Central Asia and China-Europe routes, marking significant progress in transportation and boosting regional cooperation across various sectors, including investment, trade, infrastructure, digitalization, agriculture, railways, and special economic zones.
As global trade dynamics evolve, Kazakhstan’s strategic contributions are essential for maximizing the Middle Corridor’s potential as a major conduit for regional and international business, fostering opportunities and development across continents. More than 120 BRI projects are already operating in Kazakhstan under 1,300 Chinese companies, aligning with the country’s “multi-vector” foreign policy and reinforcing its role in regional growth and cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s efforts have set an example to attract international investment and foster global dialogue through the Astana International Forum (AIF). This global platform brings together experts, business leaders, and government officials from across the world to discuss practical solutions to global challenges such as climate change, economic sustainability, and foreign policy. The AIF aims to position Kazakhstan as a key player in global affairs by emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, predictability, and cross-border cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s role in regional cooperation is a testament to its commitment to the principle of “successful Central Asia—successful Kazakhstan.” Kazakhstan is ready to further develop integration processes, working closely with its strategic partners and allies in the region to ensure mutual prosperity and stability. President Tokayev’s vision for the new phase of development will bring sustainable growth and prosperity to Central Asia.
